41. Dr. DAVIESasked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the fact that in 1927 three men were killed as the result of explosions in mines due to striking matches or smoking and in 1928 five deaths resulted from the same causes, he proposes to introduce legislation to further safeguard miners from such practices?
§ The SECRETARY for MINES (Mr. Ben Turner)The existing legal provisions are strict and comprehensive, and I do not think that breaches of these provisions can be prevented by further legislation.
§ Mr. TURNERYes.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSDoes not the hon. Gentleman think that, if automatic gas alarms were installed and it was known that gas was present, the men would not take the risk of smoking? Does he not think the time has arrived when automatic alarm should be made compulsory in all mines?
§ Mr. TURNERI should like notice of that question.